NCJ Number
129326
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 175-179
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Despite a large degree of support within the child abuse community for the theory that an international conspiracy practicing ritualistic crimes including child sexual abuse exists, there is a complete absence of independent evidence corroborating the existence of these cults and their alleged activities.
Abstract
Several papers delivered at professional meetings and trainings have presented allegations made by adults who claim to have experienced satanic ritual abuse in childhood and allegations made by children claiming to be currently or recently involved in such activities. The author maintains that there is little actual data in these papers and notes the underlying beliefs of the authors and the lack of a comparison group to analyze symptoms and behaviors associated with satanic ritual abuse to refute their claims. The picture of the alleged cults that emerges is highly unbelievable from the perspectives both of therapists and law enforcement. The explanation of these unproven claims probably lies in a complex set of dynamics operating in the child abuse community; this issue must be resolved through the use of objective and scientific techniques. 12 references